By Joel Gould
Adam Reynolds knows he will be a target, but has scoffed at suggestions he is taking a risk with his early return from a biceps tear and is ready to lead Brisbane on a winning run to the NRL finals.
The 34-year-old Broncos skipper returned three weeks ahead of schedule last week to orchestrate a 30-14 win over Newcastle and break a six-game losing streak.
Brisbane, four points outside the top eight, host Canterbury on Saturday afternoon and need to win five of their next six games to play finals.
Bulldogs giant Viliame Kikau will no doubt test Reynolds’ biceps out at Suncorp Stadium but the veteran half is up for the challenge.
“Halves are always a target. It is the same every week,” Reynolds said.
“It doesn’t matter if you are injured or not injured. If I wasn’t up for it I wouldn’t play.
Adam Reynolds returns from injury for the Broncos.Credit: Getty Images
“There was no risk (returning early), no more risk than in two or three week’s time. Carrying an old existing injury into a game there is always going to be a risk.
“Ninety-nine per cent of players play with risk every week and I am no different. I was fully confident going out and doing my job for the team. The coaches and players have trust in me.”
Reynolds had a wrestling session with former Broncos forward Josh McGuire last week and said the way he got through that convinced him he was ready to return for the side after missing 11 weeks of action.
His inclusion against the Knights had the Broncos’ attack humming, as it will need to be for the rest of the season.
Viliame Kikau of the Bulldogs celebrates with team mates during their win over Cronulla in round 17.Credit: Getty Images
Reynolds says he has confidence in the team that they could continue to win enough games to play finals.
“I am always going to say yes. I love this team and know what it is capable of,” he said.
“We can’t get ahead of ourselves. We don’t have that luxury. You simply have to win games in the NRL to be in finals so it is no different to any other position we might find ourselves.
“If we were in the top four we would still need to win games to stay there. Fate is in our hands. We need to make sure we prepare well and get our game plan in order and turn up with the right attitude.”
Brisbane will be without back-rower Brendan Piakura (groin) for the Bulldogs clash. He will be replaced in the starting side by Kobe Hetherington with 20-year-old Blake Mozer to come off the bench and share hooking duties with Billy Walters.
AAP